Shadow Infrastructure: Supporting the RQ-7 UAS

RQ-7 Shadow UAVs can be launched via runway or catapult, and land on runways. They’ve become the mainstay tactical-class battalion/ brigade level UAS for the US Army and US Marine Corps, and have also been exported to a number of countries. Italy and Sweden picked it, and Australia bought it under their JP129 program when their original choice didn’t perform.

The RQ-7B offers a longer wingspan and larger tail than the initial RQ-7A, and can carry a payload of 27.2 kg/ 60 pounds. This usually entails IAI Tamam POP-200/300 or L-3 Wescam 11SST surveillance turrets, but add-on kits can insert useful capabilities like laser targeting, the TCDL datalink, communication relays, or other sensors. The US Marines are even investigating weapon options. Meanwhile, that large UAV fleet needs support.

Contracts & Key Events

RQ-7 Shadow(click to view full)

This article covers RQ-7B support beginning with contract #W58RGZ-12-C-0011. AAI Corp. is a subsidiary of Textron Systems.

Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, MD and Afghanistan until Oct 31/13. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-12-C-0011).

March 13/12: AAI Corp. in Hunt Valley, MD receives a $180.9 million cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to support RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aircraft systems serving with the US military and Australia.

Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, MD; Afghanistan, and Australia with an estimated completion date of Oct 3/12. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, AL manages the contract (W58RGZ-12-C-0011).